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The more standard solution is lemon kool-aid without the sugar. It is basically citric acid - less potent than lime-a-way. Vinegar also works. The issue with these is the possibility of corrosion around the seals, especially the impeller to the pump. Replacing a motor isn't cheap, even if you do it yourself.

If the deposits are not clogging the holes on the arms, don't be obsessive over them.

I would recommend ONLY using "food grade" substances in ANY dishwasher. The way the pumps and such are set-up on a dishwasher you never flush all the residue out, you just keep diluting it.

Lime-A-Way is not supposed to be used in a "food contact" situation:

From the company: Q. Can I use LIME-A-WAY to remove hard water stains on dishes, kettle and other kitchen appliances?
A. LIME-A-WAY is not recommended for use on any food contact surfaces or appliances. Use Dip It Automatic Drip Coffeemaker Cleaner to remove hard water stains in your coffeemaker and Finish-Jetdry Dishwasher Cleaner to remove limescale deposits in your dishwasher.

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

The more standard solution is lemon kool-aid without the sugar. It is basically citric acid - less potent than lime-a-way. Vinegar also works. The issue with these is the possibility of corrosion around the seals, especially the impeller to the pump. Replacing a motor isn't cheap, even if you do it yourself.

If the deposits are not clogging the holes on the arms, don't be obsessive over them.

I would recommend ONLY using "food grade" substances in ANY dishwasher. The way the pumps and such are set-up on a dishwasher you never flush all the residue out, you just keep diluting it.

Lime-A-Way is not supposed to be used in a "food contact" situation:

From the company: Q. Can I use LIME-A-WAY to remove hard water stains on dishes, kettle and other kitchen appliances?
A. LIME-A-WAY is not recommended for use on any food contact surfaces or appliances. Use Dip It Automatic Drip Coffeemaker Cleaner to remove hard water stains in your coffeemaker and Finish-Jetdry Dishwasher Cleaner to remove limescale deposits in your dishwasher.

Yeah, well, you might not use it in your dishwasher at home, but every restaurant in the country uses it in their dishwasher. I'd never run it in a coffeemaker, but I've personally run hundreds of gallons through both commercial and home dishwashers. It works great. For a home dishwasher, I'd use about a half-cup & run it through a full cycle, it'll look like new inside.

CLR, Lime-Away, and Iron-Out do the same thing. If you use any of these products, do so occasionally as needed, but run the dishwasher through a full cycle to rinse and drain it. Read the instructions on the label, and very important, the MSDS. The overuse of these products can also damage seals and plastic, but used properly should be fine.

I use vinegar in place of the water spot preventer stuff (the name of which eludes me at the moment, LOL), and have never had a problem with build up. Or with water spots.

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